Amsterdam is to test a new weapon against the problems caused by cyclists who park their bikes just about anywhere they please: automated bike sheds on rooftops.

The municipal engineering office (IBA) has launched an investigation into the possibilities of this system.

The new system is simple. Cyclists use their public transport cards to log in to the system and put their bikes in a glass elevator. The bicycle is then automatically taken to the roof and put in a rack.

IBA engineer Matthijs Griffioen expects to see the first bicycle elevators appear near office buildings and council offices in the next five years.

“The lifts will reinforce the image of Amsterdam as a bicycle city and will also form an additional tourist attraction."

(gsh/imm)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide